Yesterday I published a self-portrait of my naked face and swore I’d never do it again but here it is.

Because I told you I had some little secrets, and today I am going to share what they are. Aren’t you glad I don’t make you wait too long?

The first secret to my more glow-y, even-toned skin is something that might surprise you, and I bet you even have some in your pantry! You ready for this? It’s coconut oil.

You guys know I looove to cook and bake with coconut oil. And although I had heard there were so many other great ways to use it, the jar had never left my kitchen. Until recently. I started experiencing some minor acne, and a friend recommended virgin, organic coconut oil. Other friends suggested other products, but I figured, why not start with the one that’s in my pantry?

I am not doctor or esthetician and I warn you that I didn’t even do much research about how to use coconut oil on my skin. I just dove right in and hoped for the best. Fortunately, I was already buying virgin, organic coconut oil; I’m not sure it’s a good idea to use another variety on one’s skin.

First I poured some coconut oil from the jar into a little plastic container to keep into my bathroom – for convenience, and the fact that I didn’t want to keep dunking my fingers or a cotton ball into the big jar. After washing my face morning and night, I use a cotton ball to soak up some coconut oil and then I spread a thin layer on my face, focusing on my forehead, nose and nostril area, and chin – where I think I need it most.

Honestly, I have only been doing this for less than a week and I already feel like my skin looks less bumpy AND more even-toned. I should have started this a long time ago! I now adore coconut oil more than I ever thought was possible, and I’m totally convinced that it’s even more of a superfood.

But like I also said yesterday, it might not be just that one thing. It might just be another thing, that for logistical reasons I have to share in another post…

Because I love you and want your skin to glow and for you to feel all extra healthy too, I want to give you a chance to stock up on some virgin, organic coconut oil – the good stuff!

Tell me about your favorite use for coconut oil – cooking-related or not!

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Tweet about this giveaway, mentioning @CarasCravings and coconut oil as a skin care product. For example: Did you know that #coconut oil can help with acne and make your skin glow? Visit @CarasCravings for a #giveaway! http://bit.ly/LMs6VP

This giveaway is sponsored by Tropical Traditions. I was not given product for free nor was I asked to write a review. Instead, I used product that I have already been buying for several years. I simply found a new use for it and wanted to share it with you. Winner will be chosen on Wednesday, July 25th and must supply a valid US or Canada shipping address within 3 days.

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

Whip coconut oil until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add cocoa powder and maple syrup and continue to whip until completely combined. Add chopped walnuts and mix just to combine.Spread into a 9″x9″ baking pan. Chill in the refrigerator until set (at least 1 hour). Cut into squares and enjoy (store in the fridge or freezer).

That sounds so good – thanks for sharing! Do you think I could make it now that my coconut oil is liquid (since it’s warm enough in the house, it is constantly liquid)? I mean, can I just mix the ingredients together as is, or should I refrigerate the coconut oil to let it firm up, then beat till fluffly?

I have subscribed to TT previously.
I just recently heard all the rave about coconut oil so I decided to try it for my & my daughters hair but I decided to start using it on my skin & one day my daughter looks at me & asks what I’ve been using on my skin because it’s so clear & glowing. Now I use it daily religiously.